Defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka qualifies for Australian Open final

ANKARA

Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday reached the 2024 Australian Open women's final to remain on a track to defend her crown in Melbourne.


Sabalenka, 25, beat US player Coco Gauff, the world No. 4, in a competitive semifinal with the sets of 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena.

In the women's final on Saturday, Sabalenka will face either Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska or Zheng Qinwen from China.

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, will end with the men's final on Sunday.